"A Touch of Blood" by Sajni Patel

A Touch of Blood (Feb. 25, 2025) by Sajni Patel.

<This is the second novel in a duology.>

<Note: This novel does contain a trigger warning.>

“Potent. Deadly. Inevitable.” Before Manisha was sent to hide on the floating mountain, her elder sister, Eshani, made a deal with the shades to provide safe crossing across the marshlands for the naga during the Fire Wars. Now years later, the shades expect Eshani to fulfill her promise and seek to bring her to the Nightmare Realm and the Gatekeeper. The “little goddess of spring” is said to be the key to fulfilling the Nightmare Realm’s prophecy, and the Shadow King wants her, because he covets immortality. Eshani is separated from Lekha, whom she raised from a scared kit (she’s a golden tiger), and is stolen to the realm and chased by monsters. She must evade the Shadow King, a brutal being who thinks Eshani’s fertility is part of the prophecy. The Gatekeeper, meanwhile, has his own problems. Hiran isn’t supposed to be alive, having been immolated as a child by his own half-brother, the current Shadow King. His sister Holika, a dreamreaver, also lives, though her physical form lies captive at the bottom of the Court of Nightmares’ pool of dreams. The Gloom follows Hiran everywhere (and has a dark sense of humor). Hiran refuses to meld with it, as he fears that he’ll become as monstrous as the current and former Shadow Kings. The Nightmare Realm isn’t overly partial to a particular Shadow King so long as there is one, and it will get what it wants. The hidden stowaway, long thought dead, and the science-loving nagin must save entire worlds.

Patel’s YA dark fantasy/mythology tale is as lush as it is sinister with vivid world-building and slow-churning affection. It combines the Indian mythology of the naga and the Greek mythology of Persephone. There is dark rage and the light of healing. As with its companion in the duology, there are upsetting scenes, and I wouldn’t recommend this story to anyone who gets queasy easily. The fury and survival is terrifying and compelling. Eshani’s journey is tragic but also triumphant, and reading her story is intense. Destiny is calling Eshani and Hiran. For one, a kingdom awaits, and for the other, a goddess arises.

            P.S. As I understand it, this is still considered a duology, but the author has clearly set up (Eshani’s twin) Sithara’s story and the conclusion to the Fire Wars. Fingers crossed!

            Book One: A Drop of Venom